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Mardi Gras San Diego

Thursday, January 26th, 2012

French for “Fat Tuesday,” Mardi Gras originally marked the last night of rich, fatty food and drink before the ritual fasting the occurs during Lent, which begins on Ash Wednesday a mere day later. Mardi Gras is also often used synonymously with the Carnival (or Carnevale) season.

While many have forgotten those traditional religious ties, even lengthening the period to include whole days and weeks of celebration, Mardi Gras still remains a festive period for food, fun, drinks, and a bit of debauchery—a time to enjoy life with friends and loved ones. This year, Mardi Gras proper is on February 21. While we can’t all be in New Orleans to celebrate, there are still tons of great events right here in San Diego.

Little Italy Carnevale

Presented by the Little Italy Association, San Diego will play host to the 9th Annual Little Italy Carnevale. The event reflects the Carnevale celebration occurring in the city of Venice in Italy. The Little Italy Association will present tons of fun and entertainment, from gondola rides to free food. Make sure to snag your own Passaporto di Carnevale, which will give the times and locations of the entertainment as well as a list of participating businesses where you can get your passport stamped.

This year the celebration will be held on Saturday, February 18th from 5:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m. on India Street between Hawthorn and Cedar. Last year saw over 12,000 attendees. Make sure to grab your masks and other traditional Venetian Carnevale regalia—you’re sure to have a fun time.

The Hillcrest Mardi Gras Street Party

Hosted by the Greater San Diego Business Association’s Charitable Foundation and the Hillcrest Business Association, the Hillcrest Mardi Gras Street Party is held every year and is patterned after the annual Mardi Gras celebration held in New Orleans. This year will be the party’s 10th celebration.

Growing steadily over the years, the Hillcrest Mardi Gras Street Party is expected to be huge in its tenth year. The event offers local San Diegans the opportunity to experience Mardi Gras without having to spend tons of money. Featuring food, drinks, live entertainment, costumes, and beads, the Hillcrest Mardi Gras Street Party promises to be a raucous, fun-filled evening. This year, the party will feature a large dance stage, giving you that nightclub feel in the streets of Hillcrest.

Proceeds and donations from the event will go to benefit both the GSDBA Foundation and the Hillcrest Business Association. The GSDBA Charitable Foundation will use proceeds to provide college scholarships to LGBT youth and allies in the San Diego community. The Hillcrest Business Association will use its proceeds to ensure a thriving, vibrant community with an outstanding business presence. In the last ten years, the Hillcrest Mardi Gras Street Party has raised over $160,000 that has gone towards LGBT youth scholarships and neighborhood improvement.

Be there February 21st at University Avenue between First and Fourth from 6:00 p.m. to 11:00 p.m.

San Diego Brazil Carnival Ball 2012

Another yearly event, the San Diego Brazil Carnival Ball will be hosting its 20th celebration this year. The ball is held all Saturday evening, starting at 9:00 p.m. and ending early Sunday morning at 1:30 a.m. The venue for the event is 4th and B.

The annual ball will feature plenty of fun and entertainment, including Carnival bands, parades, capoeira performances, beads, and much more. The star of this event is the Spectacular Samba Show. Rich in color and beauty, the show will feature dancers in glittering costumes adorned with beads, sequins, and feathers accompanied by percussionists playing the authentic rhythms of Rio de Janeiro.

Mardi Gras in the Gaslamp Quarter

A recent tradition, the corporate-sponsored party in the Gaslamp Quarter began in 2005 and has quickly gained popularity. While the line-up still remains to be announced, the party promises to feature multiple stages, a massive masquerade parade, live performances, international DJ talent, and elaborately themed areas, on top of the usual good times, good food, good drinks, and good company.

If you’re in for a fun night, visit the Gaslamp Quarter on February 21st from 6:00 p.m. to midnight. Advance tickets are $20 but you can buy tickets at the entry gate on the day of the event for $25.

Have fun celebrating the joie de vivre!

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February Activity Guide San Diego

Friday, January 20th, 2012

As the winter caps are tucked away and the spring bicycles are brushed off and tuned up, San Diego begins to stretch its arms and really start getting into the New Year fun. The month of February brings a re-introduction to what San Diego has to offer with a half-off museum month, an artsy Oceanside banner project, a pet-friendly 5K run, and much more.

San Diego Museum Month – February 1-29
San Diego’s museum month rings in the springtime with an entire month of half-off San Diego museum entry prices. Choose from 40 museums in San Diego County and enjoy the arts, science, culture, and history that these museums have to offer. Some museum highlights include:

Encinitas Arts Alive Banner Project and Auction – February-June
Local artists create banners depicting what this area means to them. The event promotes walking the streets of coastal towns and brings art and community together. Money raised by the Arts Alive event promotes the arts and offsets the cost of the next year’s project.

California Open Wildlife Art Festival – February 11-12

Held at the Corky McMillin Event Center in San Diego, this festival features more than 150 artists and wood carvers from the United States, Canada, and Japan.

The Open Wildlife Art Festival hosts a world-class carving competition, exhibits and sales, an art auction, tool vendors, and antique appraisals.

Puppy Love 5k Run/Walk – February 12

Grab your pooch and come kick off Valentine’s Day with a Puppy Love run/walk. This event starts at the corner of Via de la Valle in Solana beach. In celebration of pet lovers everywhere, the course ends with a Furry Valentine Canine Costume Contest, a doggie boot camp and agility course, and many more activities.

San Diego Derby Dolls – February 18

If you missed January’s Derby Dolls event, or you’re just itching to catch another act, join these gals at the Del Mar Fairgrounds starting at 6 PM. Buy tickets online in advance for $15 and enjoy watching this unique and exciting women’s competition.

San Diego Mardi Gras – February 21

San Diego participates in this long-time New Orleans tradition every year with its own Mardi Gras held in the Gaslamp Quarter. This outdoor celebration includes parades and a block party with musical acts, food, beverages, and beads. This is a fun, festive, 21 and over event that’s held rain or shine.

Silver Bay Kennel Club Dog Show – February 25-26

One of the largest dog shows in the United States, the Silver Bay Kennel Club dog show includes a dog agility competition, best-in-show and breed competitions, and obedience competitions.

Southern California Gray Whale Migration – Through February 27

‘Tis the season for grey whale migration south along the California coastline to the waters of Baja. These whales breed and then return to their summer feeding grounds. Although March and May are peak months, whale-watching tours and cruises run all the way through the month of February. With a 96% success rate of seeing whales, the Newport Landing Whale Watching tours are a great way to swim into spring.

Dividing the Estate – February 1-12
If plays are up your alley, see this Pulitzer Prize winning play about family, money, and greed. Held at the Old Globe Theater, this popular play was nominated for a Tony Award in 2009.

If February is your month to take a trip down to the southern tip of California, then consider catching everything the West Coast has to offer in the month of February. San Diego is jam-packed with events regardless of the season. As a hub of museums, wildlife, and social events, there’s never a dull day in America’s Finest City.

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2011 Mission Bay Boat Parade

Thursday, November 24th, 2011

Everyone has their favorite holiday traditions, from counting down the days on your advent calendar to lighting the shammash the first night of Hanukkah. Now that we’re in December, it’s time to roll out those family and community traditions that have become so ingrained in our systems.

The Mission Bay Christmas Boat Parade is just one of those community traditions. The parade is held annually during the holiday season and has become a highly anticipated event in the San Diego community.

About the Parade

Starting from Quivira Basin and sailing around Mission Bay to SeaWorld, the parade features more than one hundred boats and water vessels that take to the water decked out in lights, decorations, and all sorts of holiday cheer. As a free event for all members of the family, the parade is expected to draw a crowd of more than 60,000 local spectators in San Diego’s Mission Bay Park.

Some of the best viewing spots for the parade are Crown Point, Santa Clara Point, Riviera Shores, the west side of Fiesta Island, and the east side of Vacation Island. Arrive early to get the best parking and viewing spots. This year’s parade is scheduled for December 10. Immediately following the boat parade is a spectacular fireworks show at 9:00 PM.

The Mission Bay Christmas Boat Parade is a great way to celebrate the holidays and tons of fun for all members of the family.

The San Diego Bay Parade of Lights

The Mission Bay Christmas Boat Parade isn’t the only holiday parade in town. The San Diego Bay Parade of Lights occurs the next day, December 11. Huge crowds gather each year to see over a hundred boats decorated in Christmas lights travel the 7.5 mile route that curves along the San Diego Bay. Boats are judged and awarded based on creative use of lighting, decorations, and engaging the crowd.

The parade begins at the east end of Shelter Island and continues east, finishing at Ferry’s Landing. It takes about an hour to an hour and a half for the parade to completely pass any given point on the route.

With new themes each year, returning spectators are always in for something new. As the 40th anniversary for the San Diego Bay Parade of Lights, the theme will be “Back to the Future.” This year, the parade is expecting a crowd of over 80,000 locals. For the best views, spectators should watch from the Embarcadero, Harbor Island, Seaport Village, or Coronado. Boaters should view from where the parade route turns at Coronado, near the 10th Street Terminal. The parade kicks off at 5:30 with a fireworks show. Arrive early for the best spot, or take advantage of the San Diego Trolley, which has a station near the Convention Center.

The Parade of Lights Holiday Party

If you miss the either of the parades the first time around, don’t fret. You can catch the complete show—fireworks, boats, and all—a week later, on December 18 from the Maritime Museum of San Diego. Watch the whole parade aboard the Berkeley, the historic 1898 steam ferry, home to the museum’s offices, maritime research library, workshop, model shop, and the museum store. The Berkeley also acts as the judging platform for the Parade of Lights awards.

The event is a great way to support the Maritime Museum of San Diego while enjoying the parade and celebrating the holidays with your friends and family. Your ticket to the Parade of Lights party includes:

  • Paid admission to the Maritime Museum, giving you the opportunity to explore the collection of ships before or during the party
  • Seasonal music
  • A picturesque view of the parade and the San Diego Bay
  • A delicious holiday menu consisting of:

-          Carved slow roasted beef

-          Smoked pit ham

-          Scalloped potatoes

-          Winter blend salad

-          Fresh cut steamed vegetables

-          Dinner rolls

  • Assorted holiday desserts, coffee, tea, hot chocolate, and eggnog
  • A no-host (i.e. cash) bar

Reservation fees are $50 for adults, $25 for children 5-12 years old, and free for children under five years old. Tickets go quickly for this event, and you must make your reservation before December 12.

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November Activity Guide for San Diego

Tuesday, November 1st, 2011

San Diego is home to some of the best festivals, events, and outdoor activities in the entire United States. While summer time has come and passed, locals know that November offers a jam-packed month of fun. Music, food, beer, racing, and unique festivals bring people in from out of town and give locals some great ideas for weekend outings. Bear in mind this short list of fun activities in the area still doesn’t do San Diego justice as there are so many more small local events in each community that embody San Diego culture—it’s up to you to discover your favorite San Diego festivities! Get started this November with this activity guide.

  • Dixieland Jazz Festival (Nov. 23-27): Arguably the biggest event that brings in visitors from around the world takes place over Thanksgiving weekend at the Dixieland Jazz Festival. Not many people realize how important traditional jazz music is to the locals here in San Diego, but with five days of fun and music the world gets a little taste of America’s Finest City.
  • San Diego Beer Week (Nov. 4-13): The newest kid on the block in terms of popular yearly events is the third annual San Diego Beer Week (SDBW). SDBW brings together all of the top microbreweries in the area and throws amazing beer events, parties, and festivals for 10 days straight. There are low key events like a beer-pairing dinner or you can stop by the kick-off festival with live music all day long while you sip suds alongside San Diego’s best beer brewers.
  • San Diego Bay Wine & Food Festival (Nov. 16-20): Thanksgiving isn’t the only reason to indulge every November. The 8th annual SD Bay Wine & Food Festival happens before you are feeling the food coma of the holiday season and features all of San Diego’s top food and wine. It is the largest event of its kind in the country and includes 170 wineries and 70 fine dining restaurants showing off their best stuff. There are tickets to specific events and you will need to purchase them in advance to guarantee a spot in the action.
  • Annual Mother Goose Parade (Nov. 20). The largest parade of its kind west of the Mississippi takes place right here in El Cajon. The free event is perfect for all ages, and the parade features over 100 participants showing off their floats, marching bands, equestrians, and much more. Even Santa Claus gets involved in the parade every year.
  • Thanksgiving Running Events: There are several charity events around Thanksgiving time every year that raise funds to feed the poor and other good local causes. Two of the most popular that happen annually are Father Joe’s 5k and the O’Side Turkey Trot. You can burn the extra calories that the Thanksgiving feast is sure to tack on and help support a charity at the same time. Both locals and visitors love to get outdoors for these fun turkey trots every year.
  • Goodguys 1st Del Mar Fall Hot Rod & Custom Car Nationals (Nov. 25-27): Car enthusiasts aren’t left out this November with the Del Mar Fall Hot Rod & Custom Car Nationals taking place in the beautiful beach city of Del Mar. Over 1,500 hot rods, custom, and classic cars will be on show with plenty of activities, exhibitors, food, and even an indoor woodie surf display to provide your family with a fun event this November.
  • Score Baja 1000 (Nov. 17-20): For the more adventurous types there is the annual Score Baja 1000 off-road race stretching from the lobster town of Ensenada down to the tip of Baja California. Visitors can head across the border to Ensenada to watch the start or finish of the race where there will be some good times in store including cheap beer, fish tacos, and maybe even a bit of tequila.
  • Dr. Seuss’ “How the Grinch Stole Christmas!” (Nov. 19 – Dec. 31): Every year San Diegans like to honor Dr. Seuss (who lived here in San Diego!) by putting on a spectacular musical of “How the Grinch Stole Christmas.” The Old Globe is going on its 14th year in a row hosting the most popular musical of the season.
  • Komen Race for the Cure 5K Run/Walk (Nov. 6): Another run/walk event but this time supporting Susan G. Komen for the Cure (formerly called Susan G. Komen Breast Cancer Foundation). All of the proceeds will help increase breast cancer research and awareness, including giving mammograms and breast cancer screenings to women who normally aren’t able to afford or access these important preventative measures.

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Best Trick or Treat Neighborhoods in San Diego

Tuesday, September 27th, 2011

San Diego County is famous for being a family-friendly place to live with a large number of middle- to upper-income neighborhoods. What more could trick-or-treaters want? There are several factors to take into consideration when planning your kids’ trick-or-treating adventures. First and foremost, you want your kids going door-to-door in the safest neighborhoods possible. While most of San Diego is generally safe, there are a few areas that stand out as the safest places to trick-or-treat that have low crime rates and well lit streets. A second factor is whether or not a lot of other trick-or-treaters will be around the area. Dead towns are no fun for kids where there are few people who celebrate, so make sure you head toward areas where a lot of people will be handing out candy with festively decorated homes. You also want a neighborhood with a good density of homes so it doesn’t require walking a marathon just to visit each house in the area. If you still can’t decide on where to go, there are several planned events around San Diego where kids can trick-or-treat safely. Here is a brief list of the top places to go trick-or-treating in San Diego County.

  1. Ocean Beach: The laid back surfer village of O.B. has several good streets for kids to wander and collect bags of candy. The friendly residents love to celebrate Halloween and are waiting with big bowls of candy for all your little ghouls and goblins. The neighborhood has over 12,000 people packed into a 1.5 square mile area which means there are plenty of doors to knock on this Halloween.
  2. Carmel Mountain: Carmel Mountain is often regarded as the ultimate trick-or-treating neighborhood in San Diego because of the massive number of streets packed with tract homes right next to each other. The difference between this area and the rest of suburban San Diego is that the median household income is right around the $100,000 range, meaning the candy bars might be a little bigger and better than other areas. All the streets are family-friendly and most people have their own kids heading out on them to collect as many sweets as possible.
  3. Pacific Beach: P.B. is another densely packed neighborhood, and you may have to drive around a little to find the perfect streets but the good ones will pay huge dividends (in candy that is). P.B. dwellers love to celebrate any chance they get and Halloween is one of their favorite holidays of the year. Count on witnessing some of the wildest costumes, scariest haunted houses, and friendly neighbors around. With over 7,600 people per square mile, it is almost guaranteed that every street will have some good trick-or-treating.
  4. Carlsbad: Carlsbad is the ultimate family-friendly suburban beach town of North County. The median income is well above the San Diego County average and the population of around 100,000 is generally composed of families with young with kids who love to dress up and head out on the streets. Carlsbad is known for its low crime rate and friendly beach-loving residents.
  5. Local Church Halloween Carnivals: There are tons of local churches around San Diego that offer Halloween carnivals where kids can play games and fill their bags with just as much candy as they would on the streets of Ocean Beach. A church Halloween carnival is a safe and fun experience for the youngsters and the parents don’t need to worry about them wandering off too far or knocking on the wrong door.
  6. LEGOLAND California Brick-or-Treat: The most popular kids’ Halloween event in North County is in LEGOLAND where they host Brick-or-Treat. The event happens a few times throughout the month with the biggest on Saturday the 29th (because it’s not a school night). The kids can experience the extravagant LEGOLAND Park while indulging in their favorite costumed candy-eating holiday of the year.
  7. Trick-or-Treat on India Street: Little Italy offers the kids of downtown a fun and safe option for trick-or-treating. They work with a lot of the local businesses in Little Italy who open their doors for trick-or-treaters to come by and show off their costumes in return for handfuls of candy.

Trick-or-Treat on Magic Street: The radio station Magic 92.5 hosts an annual trick-or-treat carnival on Magic Street in Chula Vista. Driving north to downtown is often out of the question for Chula Vista residents so having something in the center of town that is safe and fun for the entire family is a great way to celebrate Halloween.

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Fall Vacation Ideas

Tuesday, September 20th, 2011

Just because the weather is cooling and the days are shorter doesn’t mean that you have to hunker down for the winter just yet. Fall vacations may seem challenging at first, but some of the best scenery and the lowest prices come around when the leaves are turning. Off-peak travel deals can be a steal, and crowds are less of a problem. Holidays also bring about all types of fun and festivals, with each local neighborhood offering its own spin on these seasonal celebrations.

Even if for a few days, a fall getaway can renew your spirits and let you cash in on one last hurrah before full-swing school begins and tourist attractions shut down for the winter.

Find the Fall Colors

Vineyards are a beautiful scene in the fall. As the leaves change, many vineyards hold fall events to capitalize on their beauty. Many vineyards hold wine tasting events during the fall, and tours are a popular offering during this time.

State parks are also a great place to visit at the end of the season. Nature does not end when the summer does, and fall is often the best time for hiking and fishing.

Romp around in Rural Areas

You can often find the best fall fun just a short drive away. Heading into the surrounding areas of San Diego, you can find amazing scenery, and quaint towns with their own Oktoberfests, hay rides, and pumpkin carving.

Apple picking is also a great fall pastime for the whole family. Many orchards offer apple picking along the roadside, and many areas celebrate with apple-picking festivities. Julian is famous for their pies, and this little area is an affordable, fun town to wander around in. A San Diego tradition, the popular Annual Julian Fall Apple Harvest runs from September 15 to November 15 and celebrates the town’s pies and ciders. This town offers fun shops, live entertainment, and the best apple pies in the county.

With Halloween just around the corner, pumpkin patches, pony rides, farmer’s markets, and corn mazes can be found by the handful.

Embrace a New Culture

Fall is a time when many cultures celebrate their heritage. In Downtown San Diego, the 17th annual Little Italy festival parade is not one to miss. This festival offers more than 150 vendors, three stages of entertainment, a stickball exhibition game, and more than 16 blocks of family-friendly fun. Italian cuisine abounds in this area of the city, and this time of the year is a great time to explore the local fare.

Are you a theater buff? Check out the San Diego 12th annual Asian film festival October 20-28th. This festival focuses on Asian-American cinema and allows patrons to meet filmmakers and actors to get the inside scoop on each film.

Spook Yourself

With Halloween in sight, there’s something spooky for everyone. October hosts Sea World’s Halloween Spooktacular where kids can trick-or-treat among sea creatures, see kid-friendly shows, and participate in Halloween crafts. Kids can dress up and take part in this fun event every weekend in October.

For the adults, there is a laundry list of spooky fun in San Diego during the fall. Del Mar hosts The Scream Zone in the month of October every Saturday and Sunday from 7pm to midnight. Here you can jump on a haunted hayride, see the house of horror and experience “the chamber.” You can also visit The Haunted Hotel in the Gaslamp Quarter or walk The Haunted Trail of Balboa Park.

Fall is a great time to squeeze in one last vacation. Local visitor centers and chambers of commerce can help you find the best deals of the season. Many local events are still going strong well into the cooler months, and there’s something for everyone—especially around Halloween. Prices are down, and seasonal colors abound. Rural towns begin to pick up as apple-picking season comes around and pumpkins patches ripen, and cultural events begin to unravel around town.

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San Diego October Activities Guide

Tuesday, September 6th, 2011

October is one of the most popular months in San Diego because the leaves change colors, ghosts and goblins come out to haunt everyone, German beer flows from beer gardens around the city, and popular annual events like the Asian Film Festival are attracting thousands of visitors. The kids are back in school, the beach still has great weather, and people can’t get their hands on Julian apple pies fast enough. Here are seven popular events and activities that take place during the month of October in San Diego.

  1. Oktoberfest: La Mesa, El Cajon, Carlsbad, and Encinitas all have their own miniature version of the famous Oktoberfest celebration in Munich every year. Most of the German celebrations take place during the first and second weekend of October and the biggest of them all is easily the La Mesa Oktoberfest. This is the best time of the year to get your hands on some authentic German bratwurst, beer, and polka music.
  2. Julian Apple Days Festival: Escape from the city and experience some good ol’ classic fun Julian style. You will spend all day eating endless amounts of apple pie, watching an antique tractor show, panning for gold, tasting beer and wine, listening to music, and dancing alongside some country tunes. The main event is the first weekend of October but the Apple Days Festival lasts almost two months throughout the apple harvest season in Julian. The first 250 people get a free apple pie server so don’t be late.
  3. 17th Annual Little Italy FESTA!: One of the largest Italian festivals on the West Coast, the Little Italy FESTA in San Diego is a great place to experience traditional Italian culture. Taste the great food, listen to Italian music, watch talented artists create masterpieces, participate in arts and crafts, and celebrate Italian heritage. One highlight of the event is the Italian Motor Sports Exhibit where you can admire classic Italian sports cars and motorbikes. There will be three separate stages with live music and over 120,000 people visiting Little Italy throughout the day. The event takes place October 9th from 10am-6pm.
  4. 12th Annual San Diego Asian Film Festival: Easily one of the most popular annual events in San Diego is the Asian Film Festival from October 20-28th. Attendees can mingle with filmmakers and actors while they all enjoy a showcasing of Asian and other international cinema. It is a fun week of film watching and partying downtown where you can pick and choose what films interest you and then get to hang with the stars of the show and creators afterwards.
  5. Annual Borrego Days Desert Festival: It isn’t a little secret anymore; the Borrego Days Desert Festival is a fun event great for families and provides tons of activities over a three day weekend. The event takes place out at Borrego Springs, a popular desert location east of San Diego. There will be a parade, mini-carnival, classic car show, artist and vendor booths, live music, tasty festival food, and much more at the annual desert festival that takes place from October 21-23rd.
  6. Tequila Festival and Expo: This event isn’t for everyone, but people looking for a little adventure just across the border shouldn’t miss the annual Tijuana Tequila Expo. You can hop across the border and be at one of North America’s premier tequila events or take a tour with bus transportation from San Diego. Either way, the price you pay for the amount of fun in store is hard for any other San Diego event to compete with. The expo takes place from October 14-16th this year and Five Star Tours offers an organized tour with some tequila education on the ride down.
  7. Haunted Halloween Events: Most locals love when October rolls around because that is when all the extremely scary haunted houses, hotels, forests, restaurants, mazes, and whatever else you can think of being haunted open up. Top events include Scream Zone Del Mar, The Haunted Hotel, Haunted Trail at Balboa Park, LEGOLAND Brick-Or-Treat, Monster Manor, Sea World Spooktacular, and Monster Bash just to name a few. Most of the haunted attractions operate all month long so you have plenty of time to scare yourself and your friends this October.

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August Events in San Diego

Saturday, July 16th, 2011

In the later months of the summer when “June gloom” has burned off, the temperatures have settled into their seasonal warmth and the sun is a welcome participant in every day’s activities, San Diego can feel like the greatest tropical paradise on Earth. Summer in San Diego brings people from all over the country ready to partake in the sand and the surf. From nightlife that abounds with open-air establishments to the bustling daytime Mission Beach boardwalk and countless beaches, there is a long list of activities fit for every California-goer.

August is an especially rich month for San Diego activities, with something for everyone from sports fanatics to theater buffs.

Film and Music

Through August 28th, Screen on the Green takes a free film series to the outdoors on Thursday nights at 8 p.m. in beautiful Balboa Park. Bring some snacks and a lawn chair and take in a flick while you soak up the natural surroundings.

The La Jolla Music Society presents the nationally-recognized Summerfest, with over 70 world-class artists and ensembles. Or take in a concert at Humphreys by the Bay. August artists and comedians include the Moody Blues, Lauryn Hill, B.B. King, Colbie Callait, Billy Idol, Cheech and Chong, and Carlos Mencia.

Food

For foodies, the Old Town Grape Stomp is an August 30th gem. Pick up this first annual festivity at the Plaza del Pasado in the Old Town State Historic Park and savor some wine, food, and grapes, paired with live entertainment. If you enjoy a finely crafted brew, catch Beer-Con, the craft beer conference at the Handelry Hotel on August 27 at 730 a.m. to 7 p.m.

Or round up some local produce and farm-fed fare almost any day of the week at one of the many farmers’ markets that run through the August evenings:

Dancing

If shaking your tail feather is more your style, grab a dance class and give it all you’ve got, swing your hips at the Monday Night Swing class at the U-31 cocktail lounge, or shake the salsa at 6:30 in a Dance Motions Studios dance class. Or if you want to try out something less common, learn to clog at 6:45 p.m. on August 1st at the Balboa Park Recital Hall.

Local Experience

If you want breathe in some of the local history, take a 75-minute historic walking tour of the breathtaking Hotel del Coronado on Tuesdays at 10:30 a.m.

On August 10th, 23rd and 31st, snorkel with leopard sharks and smooth hound sharks at La Jolla Shores. Hosted by the Birch Aquarium, this outing is a fun way to connect with the local wildlife.

Take a stroll through the monthly desert garden tour hosted by Offshoot Tours and see eclectic trees, cacti, and succulents that grow in the warmth of the San Diego habitat.

Sports

If you’re a sports fanatic, don’t miss some tennis action at the Mercury Insurance Open Carlsbad beginning August 1st, or bet on the ponies when The Turf Meets the Surf as the Del Mar horse racing season gets underway. If baseball is more up your alley, catch the San Diego Padres in action at Petco Park. Also, don’t forget about Southern California’s perpetual playground and hang ten in some of the country’s best surf spots. Test drive a paddleboard on Mission Bay or boogie board to your heart’s content all along the coast.

Looking to watch the action? Head to La Jolla Cove August 7th and see the largest rough-water swimming competition in the U.S., or be entertained by the Polo Club’s Fernando Gutierrez Memorial Cup on the 14th (and catch the finals on the 21st).

No matter what you fancy for fun, August has events specially matched for everyone. From natural water parks to local foods and festivals, every month in San Diego is ripe with special events, guaranteed to make your time in America’s Finest City second to none.

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Catch the Action at the Del Mar Racetrack this Summer!

Thursday, June 30th, 2011

Horse racing is a longstanding tradition in America. Its roots run deep, and at one point, horse racing was second only to major league baseball.

The Del Mar Racetrack has been party to the history of the sport as well as its fluctuating trends and changes over the years. The racetrack is part of the Del Mar Fairgrounds, just twenty miles north of San Diego proper.

Let’s take a brief look at the history of this notable landmark as well as some of its upcoming events this summer.

A Brief History

The Del Mar Racetrack was built as a joint venture between Bing Crosby and several other close actors, musicians, and personalities of the time. The idea was to have a place where people could play all day, party all night, and forget all the worries of the world.

When the track opened in 1937, Bing Crosby himself stood at the gate to personally greet fans and horse racing enthusiasts. The Del Mar Racetrack was the first to make use of the photo-finish camera, which has now become a staple of just about every racetrack in the world.

The racetrack gained much popularity in Hollywood and the surrounding Del Mar area, drawing large crowds every race.

In 1938, the Del Mar Thoroughbred Club hosted a $25,000 match race between the American handicap champion Seabiscuit and the South American challenger Ligaroti. The race was widely publicized and talked about, becoming the first nationwide broadcast of a Thoroughbred race on NBC radio. The historic race drew 20,000 fans, cementing its popularity and success.

By 1940, the Del Mar Racetrack was a summer playground for Hollywood’s finest. In 1946, The Santa Fe Railroad built a train from Los Angeles to Del Mar, allowing all the Hollywood stars and late-running horses an easy way to travel to and from the racetrack. The train was where the festivities began. Often, if the train was late, the entire race was delayed.

Del Mar Today

Del Mar Racetrack has not lost any steam over the years, still hosting some of the nation’s best horses and horsemen to record crowds each summer.

The track opens every mid-July, starting the 37-day summer racing season.

Although traditions evolve, change, or expire over the years, the track still has the longstanding tradition of wearing a hat on opening day and holds its annual One and Only Truly Fabulous Hats Contest that same day.

Summer and Upcoming Events

Aside from the annual hat day, the draw of the Del Mar Racetrack is, of course, the horse races. The track holds races every Wednesday through Sunday and is usually closed on Mondays and Tuesdays, with a few exceptions.

The number of races wavers between 7 and 9 with the exception of opening day when the track holds 10 races, along with the feature handicap and stakes races. To keep up with the schedule, it’s best to check the Del Mar Racetrack calendar on their website.

The Del Mar Racetrack is also known to hold numerous events and promotions aside from the horse races. This includes:

  • Family Fun Days
  • Daily seminars for newcomers and handicappers
  • Chili cook-offs and salsa contests

A fairly new event is the Del Mar Summer Concert Series. Beginning in 1994, Del Mar played host to free concerts every Friday evening. Del Mar became a live music venue for some of the greatest musical acts in history. In 2001, singer/songwriter Jack Johnson put the Del Mar Racetrack on the musical map. The concert series continues this year, so remember to find your way to the Seaside Stage each Friday.

The Del Mar Beer Fest will give you a chance to sample over 60 different flavors of brews from some of your favorite breweries, including

  • Ballast
  • Coronado
  • Firestone
  • Full Sail
  • Left Coast
  • Green Flash
  • New Belgium
  • Lagunitas
  • Palm
  • Pyramid

Despite the passage of time, the Del Mar Racetrack has held up amazingly and is still home to thrilling races and roaring crowds, and the idea for a horse palace by the ocean where guests could play all day, party all night, and enjoy the fruits of life

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From Trestles to South Bay: A Guide to San Diego Surf Breaks

Thursday, June 30th, 2011

With summer upon us, nothing would be better than a visit to the beach to enjoy the sun and the surf. Cooling off in the ocean is a common, popular form of summer fun in Southern California, especially San Diego.  If you are staying in Pacific Beach or Mission Beach, don’t be afraid to venture further south or north to find more of San Diego’s famous surf lineups.

San Diego has a deep-rooted surf culture that spreads all through the county, up and down the coast. Let’s take a look at some of the best surf breaks in and around the San Diego area.

Trestles

Trestles is a world famous, river-mouth point break located right on the county line between Orange County and San Diego, attracting professionals, amateurs, and first time surfers all at once.

The area is broken up into many different breaks, most notably Upper Trestles, Middle Trestles, and Lower Trestles (more commonly referred to as just “Lowers”) with Lower Trestles consistently having the best waves. An ASP World Tour surfing competition is held at the Lower Trestles on an annual basis, the only ASP tour stop held on the North American continent.

Be prepared to walk a ways to get to Trestles, with the parking lots being 15 minutes from the break or more.  Even after your hike to the lineup, Trestles is often busy 7 days a week. With 60+ surfers in the lineup to catch a wave, avoiding collisions with others often becomes part of the ride.

Despite all the difficulties presented in making it out to Trestles, the area is famous because it continually provides some of the best swells with consistent long rides.

Del Mar

Del Mar has become one of the most reliable surf spots in San Diego. Featuring great exposure to all swell directions, Del Mar is popular all year round. The crowd can spread from the river mouth to Torrey Pines State Beach, giving you the chance to find your own wave without worrying about crashing into other surfers.

The best breaks tend to be in South Del Mar, from 15th Street to 29th Street.

Swami’s

Swami’s in Encinitas is known internationally and has a well-defined peak with a crowd beyond capacity. The break is named after an Indian-style Self Realization Fellowship complex on the bluff.

Swami’s has a bend in the coast, helping it pick up extra swell energy. This means bigger, better waves than its neighboring breaks. Of course, this also means larger crowds, but it’s worth it for the great waves.

La Jolla Shores

La Jolla Shores is one of the most popular beaches in San Diego, in part because of its proximity to UC San Diego. The beach is often crowded with college students and locals. A line divides the surfing section and the swimming section, ensuring that surfers do not crash into unaware waders.

The beach also has year-round lifeguard services, facilities, and fairly good parking.

The waves here are generally fairly gentle and safe, making it a prime spot for beginners and seasoned veterans alike. Most surf schools operate here, so those who would like to learn to surf should definitely start here.

Black’s Beach

Black’s Beach, in another part of La Jolla, is one of the best surf spots in California and arguably has the best waves in San Diego. Consistent and great all year round, Black’s Beach features breaks in long, organized lines.

The walk to Black’s Beach is a bit of a hike, though you can arrive either by stairs or by a trail from the neighborhood. Black’s Beach is also a nudist beach, so try not to be too surprised when you arrive.

Paddling out takes a bit of extra work and effort, but it pays off. The waves here are huge, well into the 10-12 foot range. Unlike La Jolla Shores, Black’s Beach is definitely for experienced surfers.

The South Bay

The best place to surf in Coronado is Outlet, a shore break by the North Island Naval Air Base. Outlet faces south and picks up the hurricane swells from Baja in the summer.

Aside from Outlet, Coronado and the rest of the coast all the way south to Imperial Beach are filled with numerous sloping beach breaks with fun, forgiving surf. However, the offshore sand bars at the mouth of the Tijuana River are completely unsurfable.

If you are looking for a surfing destination this summer, we recommend booking a San Diego vacation rental where you will find the best spot to surf and enjoy the break!

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